It's not very confidence inspiring for your t to say they are a mess unless they meant they are a mess in minor ways and laughing at it. I think that's very unwise if they mean they are seriously a mess. They are supposed to be solid for you. It isnt about them, tho nowadays many people are way down in the value of their savings. With that you could be sympathetic. Actually, I would prefer to have a high functioning bipolar pdoc or t because I dont think you can truly understand these issues unless you have experienced them to some degree and know what works best in alleviating our challenges..
I dont know about the rest of the issues you are describing, Fuzzy. It's really hard for us to guage what's happening in your interactions with these people. However, a professional that is describing themselves as a mess does not sound very professional or competent to me. Is it time for you to interview a new t?
Regarding issues of the t siding with your parents, it might help us to understand some of this by knowing your age. I apologize if it's on your profile. Im tired today because I have some chronic pain issues with my shoulder and after 2 years with shoulder pain, the second opinion I got yesterday is a different diagnosis and the new doc wants me to do totally different things to treat it. At least I had a great time laughing with my GP over how foolish some people are, even some doctors, and not mentioning any ranting blonde politicians by name.